Competition congratulations

Central Otago Young Viticulturist Competition

The Central Otago section of the 2022 Corteva Young Viticulturist competition recently took place at Otago Polytechnic’s Bannockburn campus; the evening dinner and speech component held at Carrick Winery.

This attracted a large group of contestants, with Charlotte Ross (Burn Cottage), Hannah Chamberlain (Carrick Winery), Callum Scarborough & Nina Downer (Felton Road), Leah Purchase (Hawkesbury Estate), Olivia Williams (Prophet’s Rock) and Dylan Crawford & Maia Wylie (Two Paddocks) all competing.

Congratulations to Nina Downer from Felton Road who took out the title, becoming the 2022 Corteva Central Otago Young Viticulturist. Along with her prizes, Nina will represent Central Otago at the national final in Marlborough in late August.

Congratulations also to Maia Wyllie and Dylan Crawford, both from Two Paddocks, who won second and third places. Maia will join runners-up from around the country at the national final, on an educational trip provided by NZSVO.

Central Otago Feraud dinner and industry awards

COWA (Central Otago Winegrowers Association) members held their first Feraud dinner since 2018 on August 5. Named after pioneering winemaker Jean Desire-Feraud who settled at the Monte Christo vineyard in Alexandra in the late 19th century, the dinner both celebrates the industry while also recognising individuals who have contributed to the success of the local industry.

The top award this year was presented to James Dicey (Grape Vision & Dicey Wines) for "Outstanding services to the Central Otago wine industry".

Further recognition went to:

 - "Marketing Champion Award" for services to marketing — Lianne Collins, Quartz Reef.

 - "Industry Know How Award" for recognition of commitment to the advancement of industry research and education — Dean Shaw, Central Otago Wine Company.

 - "Young Gun Award" for recognition of an up-and-coming leader in the industry — Simon Gourley, Domaine Thomson.

 - "Morley Hewitt Good Sort Award" in memory of Morley Hewitt, for recognition of an individual who is known for going "above and beyond" — Kerry Stainton-Herbert, Stewart Town Vineyard.

2021 McArthur Ridge Lilico Alexandra Pinot Noir Rose

Price RRP $24.99
Rating Excellent

Fragrant nose, bubble gum, musk 
nuances shifting to 
strawberry and fruit 
salad, fruit cordial 
and a savoury touch 
with aeration. Again, 
fruit salad evident on 
the palate, glace 
cherry and hard 
candy. Texturally, 
there’s nice 
viscosity to this and, 
while sweetly 
fruited, this closes 
relatively dry. 
Bursting with flavour 
and ticks the box on 
the yummy factor.

www.mcarthurridge.nz

2021 Domaine Thomson Surveyor Thomson Central Otago Pinot Noir Rose

Price RRP $35
Rating Very Good to Excellent

Quietly expressed 
nose with bonfire 
embers, red berries/
strawberry, berry jam 
and a wisp of herb. 
The palate more 
powerfully expressed, 
texturally rich with a 
touch of chalky 
phenolics adding to 
the grip and 
mouthfeel. Spice, 
orange zest, savoury 
qualities, red apple 
too, as this opens up 
in the glass. A serious 
style with flavour depth and complexity.

www.domainethomsonwines.com

2021 Craggy Range Hawke’s Bay Rose

Price RRP $31.95
Rating Excellent

Attractive nose, less about the fruit, 
leading with savoury 
and spice, apple and 
quince as it aerates. 
Crunchiness to the 
mouthfeel, picking 
up a bittersweet 
quality, fruit 
sweetness here yet 
closing dry, bright 
acidity keeping this 
lively. Grows in the 
glass, minerality, 
quince and cooked 
apple on the lip-
smacking close. 
Another serious 
example.

www.craggyrange.com